Cost of Living in Ireland for Indians

Your monthly expenses will vary significantly based on your lifestyle and, most importantly, where you live. Dublin is by far the most expensive city, while cities like Limerick and Galway offer a more moderate cost of living.

Here is a realistic estimate of the monthly budget you'll need in 2025, excluding university tuition fees.

Note: The amount may vary depending on the location & currency exchange rate.

Securing a place to live will be your first and most significant financial hurdle. The Irish rental market is competitive, and prices reflect this high demand, especially in the capital.

Renting in Major Irish Cities (2025)

Dublin consistently ranks as one of Europe's most expensive cities for rent. If your budget is a primary concern, exploring accommodation in other major cities can lead to significant savings.

Note: The amount may vary depending on the location & currency exchange rate.

Types of Accommodation for Students and Professionals

To manage these high costs, most Indians moving to Ireland opt for shared living arrangements.

• Shared Rentals: This is the most common option. Renting a room in a shared house or apartment costs between €650 - €950 (₹65,000 - ₹95,000) per month, depending on the city and location.
• On-Campus Accommodation: Exclusively for students, this can be convenient but is often more expensive, ranging from €800 - €1,200 (₹80,000 - ₹1,20,000) per month. It's also in high demand and must be booked well in advance.
• Host Families (Digs): Some students opt to live with an Irish family. This can be a more affordable and culturally immersive experience, with costs often including meals and utilities.

Once you've sorted out your housing, your daily expenses will be the next piece of your budget puzzle.

Food & Grocery Bills

A single person can expect to spend around €250 - €400 (₹25,000 - ₹40,000) per month on groceries by shopping at budget-friendly supermarkets like Lidl, Aldi, and Tesco. Eating out is significantly more expensive; a simple meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about €15 - €20 (₹1,500 - ₹2,000).

Here are some average prices for everyday items in 2025:

Note: The amount may vary depending on the location & currency exchange rate.

Utilities: Electricity, Heating, and Internet

For a standard 85m² apartment, your basic utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) will cost approximately €200 - €250 (₹20,000 - ₹25,000) per month. This cost can be higher during the cold and damp winter months due to increased heating needs. A high-speed home internet plan will add another €50 - €60 (₹5,000 - ₹6,000) to your monthly bills.

Public Transportation: Getting Around Affordably

Owning a car in Ireland is expensive. Most residents, especially in cities, rely on public transport. The most cost-effective way to travel is by using a TFI Leap Card, a rechargeable travel card that offers discounted fares on buses, trams (Luas), and trains (DART). A monthly transport pass costs around €100 - €140 (₹10,000 - ₹14,000) depending on the city and your travel zones.

As a non-EU national, you are required to have private health insurance to cover your medical needs. While Ireland has a public healthcare system, access for temporary residents can be limited. The cost of a basic private health insurance plan for an individual starts at around €600 - €900 (₹60,000 - ₹90,000) annually. A single visit to a General Practitioner (GP) without insurance can cost €60 - €70 (₹6,000 - ₹7,000).

Your budget for leisure will be highly personal. A pint of beer at a pub will set you back €6 - €7 (₹600 - ₹700), a cinema ticket is around €13 (₹1,300), and a monthly gym membership can range from €40 - €70 (₹4,000 - ₹7,000). It is wise to budget at least €150 - €250 (₹15,000 - ₹25,000) per month for social activities to enjoy a balanced life.

A salary of €45,000 (₹45L) per year is a common starting point for many professionals. After taxes, this amounts to roughly €2,800 (₹2.8L) per month. Let's see how a monthly budget might look for a single person on this salary living in a shared flat in Cork:

Note: The amount may vary depending on the location & currency exchange rate.

• Become a Home Chef: Regularly eating out will drain your wallet. Embrace cooking at home.
• Use the Leap Card: Never pay for transport in cash. The Leap Card offers significant savings.
• Share and Save: Share accommodation and utilities to drastically reduce your biggest expense.
• Work Part-Time (for Students): Students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time, which can help cover daily expenses.
• Leverage Free Resources: Use university libraries, join free societies, and look for free city events and museum days.

Moving to Ireland from India is a significant financial step, but it is an achievable one with careful planning. While the cost of living, particularly for accommodation, is high, the country offers high salaries and an exceptional quality of life to balance the scale.

By understanding the real costs for 2025, creating a detailed budget, and being smart about your spending, you can make your Irish dream a financial reality. Welcome to the Emerald Isle!